When you're a worldwide icon who can't make it to an awards ceremony to pick up a gong, it's only right that you hand select another icon to do it for you - and that's exactly what David Bowie did at last night's Brits.

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Unable to be there to receive his Best Album statuette for unknown reasons, the singer sent Kate Moss in his place. But the pair decided to go one step further and kit Moss out in one of Bowie's stage costumes from his Ziggy Stardust years. The red playsuit printed with white rabbits, called the "Woodland Creatures" costume, was worn by Bowie on stage in 1972.

Moss read out a short acceptance speech on behalf of Bowie, saying: "Good evening ladies and gentleman, David has asked me to say this. In Japanese myth the rabbits from my old costume that Kate's wearing live on the moon. Kate comes from Venus and I from Mars, so that's nice. I'm completely delighted to have a Brit for being the best male, but I am, aren't I Kate? I think it's a great way to end the day."

David Bowie wearing the costume in 1972, and Kate Moss last night. Photos: PA/Getty

The 67-year-old also used Kate as his political mouthpiece, tagging onto the end of his speech: "Thank you very, very much and Scotland - stay with us."

The pair's friendship dates back to 2003, when they first met for a feature in Q Magazine. Moss interviewed Bowie for the issue and they co-starred in a risqué shoot, photographed by Ellen Von Unwerth. The cover showed a naked Moss clinging to Bowie's besuited back.

Last night wasn't Moss's first brush with Bowie imitation though - she's starred on both British and French Vogue covers made up as the singer in 2003 and 2012, respectively.

Would it be entirely inappropriate to play 'who wore it best?'?

Kate Moss on the cover of British Vogue on 2003, and French Vogue in 2012